World Golf Tour

Red numbers for Green

Aussie Richard Green picked up his third European Tour title today with a killer Sunday charge at the Portugal Masters. The lefty entered the day trailing Pablo Martin by seven shots. He carded eleven birdies – one less than the European Tour record 12 that was equaled Saturday by Jeppe Huldahl – in route to a final round 65.

Green, also a semi-pro car racer, was not sure that was going to be enough. He said he had 64 in his head as the magic number needed to claim the title. He had a short putt for par at the last to reach the number in mind but missed the putt to post 18-under par.

The overnight leader Pablo Martin had a chance to force a playoff after getting within one after a birdie at the 17th hole. But Martin’s tee shot at 18 found the water at the hole that had only surrendered twenty birdies all week and he went on to finish three shots behind.

Green’s Sunday 65 was good for a two-shot win over four players, including Ryder Cup player Francesco Molinari who recorded his second round this week of 62 on Sunday.